Seven-year prospective clinical study on zirconia-based single crowns and fixed dental prostheses

Zirconia-based prostheses are used for esthetic crown and fixed restorations, but follow-ups are still limited. The authors evaluated the 7-year clinical results of 303 zirconia core restorations, performed in a general dental private practice.

Clinical events (fracture and loss of retention, gingivitis, tenderness, excess cement, and temporary pain) were recorded in 303 zirconia core restorations positioned in 88 patients. Kaplan-Meier survival probability estimates were computed for failures (needed the replacement or removal of the prosthesis) and complications (resolved without replacing the prosthesis).

One hundred and fifty single crowns (130 tooth-supported, 20 implant-supported) and 153 multiple units up to 6 elements (49 tooth-supported, 104 implant-supported) were followed-up for 7 years in 88 patients (40 men, 48 women), aged 35–89 years (mean 57). During the follow-up period, there were no complications for 287 (95 %) of the restorations. Sixteen restorations/abutment teeth (5 %) had some complication: extraction of abutment tooth (7, 2 %); caries (2, 1 %), porcelain veneer fracture (3, 1 %), loss of retention (4, 1 %). Nine (3 %) restorations were recorded as failures. The overall 7-year survival probability estimate for failures was 0.966 (95 % confidence limits, 0.932 and 0.983), for complications was 0.976 (95 % confidence limits 0.947 and 0.989), with a cumulative survival rate of 94.7 %.

Within the analyzed follow-up, zirconia core restorations appear a good clinical solution, with favorable functional properties.

All ceramic restorations can be successfully used for both single-and multiple-unit prostheses, either teeth or implants supported.